At Way Basics, one of our favorite things is seeing all the amazing organizational creations that you all come up with! We have designed our products to be simple, modern, and conducive to whatever creative touch you put on them. Whether you are organizing a kitchen, office, bedroom, or closet, your creative choices are what makes our job so much fun!

Today we want to celebrate your creative brilliance and highlight some of our favorite customer creations with the Box.

Organizing a kitchen pantry

Organizing your closet!

Kid's Room Organization

Organized office with the Box!

Do you have any photos of your Box system or other Way Basics's products? Be sure to share them on our Share Page for a chance to win $100 to www.waybasics.com.

Thanks again for being a part of the Way Basics' community and sharing your creativity with us!

At Way Basics, we love going above and beyond for our customers. We love our products and love getting you and your family organized. This is why we have someone on call to answer all your questions and help you make educated choices for your home.

Here is one of those stories:

Last month our customer Googled "rectangle cube" and came across our products but she wasn't sure what to buy! She contacted us through e-mail ([email protected]) and asked for help with a space that she wanted to get organized. She sent in some pictures, measurements of the space and the idea of what she needed. She was looking for a 4 shelf system to store boots and back packs in her front hall.

This was her "before picture"

Hanna, our amazing customer care woman, looked through our products, calculated the space our pre-configured Freedom Shelf which has a similar modern, unique feel but different dimensions.

Human beings don't typically live in the branches of trees along with birds and squirrels, but there are still ways to make your home earth- friendly. Organizing, decorating and cleaning a house while regarding the natural environment will keep the process more focused, will teach your family how to treat the earth well, and will improve the health of everyone who lives in your home.

Of course, if you are just now building a home or moving into one, it will be easier to incorporate some green ideas into the household. But, if you've lived in one place for years, don't fret - it's still simple to begin some green habits. Approach your decor with love for the planet in mind and everyone wins.

Knickknacks

Don't buy a sustainable sofa unless you're going to dress it with green pillows. Pillows stuffed with natural fibers, such as cotton and goose down, are preferable for the environment and ensure better air quality. A great place to obtain earth-friendly decor is at flea markets, farmer's markets and other places where local artisans display their craftsmanship. Try an original painting, or something made by a member of the community from wood or other natural materials. These are great opportunities to keep synthetic items out of the home environment.

Appliances

Don't forget the appliances when you go green. Low-flush toilets, kitchen appliances that consume less energy and CFL or LED lights are all good options. In general, appliances that have the Energy Star approval are efficient choices.

It's not just what you put inside your house that makes it green -- it's how you maintain those belongings, from cleaning to organization.

Organizing

Containers If you're stumped about what to use for organizing smaller items in the kitchen and bathroom, try re-purposing old shoe boxes, cans that held soups, and jars that held pickles and spaghetti sauces.

You can also make your own containers out of products such as zBoard, a nontoxic material that doesn't require nails or tools.

Paper vs. Online

Most financial institutions offer you the option of online statements, rather than paper ones, so take them up on it. Get in the habit of paying your bills online. Use an e-reader to enjoy magazines and newspapers. You'll cut down on the amount of paper that gathers in the corners of your home and maintain a greener lifestyle.

Donations

When an item is no longer necessary, such as a toy your child has outgrown, make a habit of gathering and donating them to charities so that someone else can enjoy them. You'll be recycling in the best possible way - another family will find a use for your products and your home will be less cluttered.

Cleaning Household Products

Instead of buying an all-purpose cleaner at the nearest supermarket, why not make your own products for keeping kitchens and bathrooms clean? It's more fun, and you probably have the things you need in your pantry.

• Baking soda and water - This solution cleans just about anything, from tiles in the shower to kitchen countertops.

• Lemon juice and vinegar - If you're dealing with mildew or grease, douse with either lemon juice or vinegar and scrub vigorously with a brush.

• Soap and tea tree oil - You can make a homemade disinfectant that rivals bleach by combining water, liquid soap and several drops of tea tree oil.

Garden Products

Remember, green doesn't stop inside the house. Tend to your flower or vegetable garden with products that are better for nature.

• Set up a compost bin with vegetable peelings, garden waste, plus newspaper and other fibrous material to create a compost pile.

• Allow birds that eat garden pests to thrive in your garden. Encourage them with bird feeders.

• Use acetic acid (about 20% acid, 80% water) or oils made from citrus and clove for earth-friendly weed killing solutions.

These items might disturb other plants, so use with caution. The process of having a more eco-friendly home environment can take time. But the rewards for your family and for the earth are numerous.

Garret Stembridge is a member of the Internet marketing team at Extra Space Storage, a leading provider of self storage facilities. Garret often writes about sustainable practices for the home and for businesses. The Self Storage Facility in Philadelphia has been retrofitted to reduce energy consumption.

Customized closets and storage systems seem like something of a dream. Something that you only see in HGTV and Home Network styling shows. It doesn’t have to be that way. Way Basics has created a storage system that you can customize for your needs. Introducing the Freedom Shelf! This shelving system was designed with simplicity and customizability in mind. You get to choose your color, number of shelves, and height of shelves; just like a customized storage system! The kits that comprise the shelves are described below, but remember that you can always contact our customer care team if you have an issue. We can talk you through your order so you get exactly what you need!

Start with the height of the shelf:

Freedom Kit Short: Freedom Kit Short is the smallest shelf in the Freedom Kit Set. This 5.3" interior height small shelf is perfect for DVD players, your CD collection, and horizontal knick-knacks that you want to organize and display in your home.

Freedom Kit Medium: Freedom Kit Medium is the mid shelf in the Freedom Kit Set. This 6.5" interior height shelf is perfect for game consoles, stereos, smaller books, knick-knacks, clothes and shoes that you want to organize and display in your home or office.

Freedom Shelf Tall: This 11.2" interior height tall shelf is perfect for books, recorders and tall vases that you want to organize and display in your home.

Decide how many shelves you want:

You can build your custom shelf as tall as you want! Just decide how many kits you want and order a Middle Shelf to go between each kit. Remember, we are always here to help if you have any questions.

Purchase a Top and Bottom:

Just like with any shelf, your new customized storage solution needs a top and bottom. Just make sure to add that to your cart and you will be good to go!

Customized storage solutions usually cost over $1000. With this new Freedom Shelf system, you can get a storage solution for a fraction of the cost. The benefits of customized shelving are never ending! Some of the amazing benefits are:

• The shelves will fit into your space and there will not be any wasted space
• Way Basics’ Freedom Shelves are put together with our easy no-tool system which means no confusing instructions and no chance for squished fingers (from a hammer and nails)
• Since the shelves are put together in the room you are organizing, you don’t have to risk damaging your walls or hiring a helping hand to maneuver a large bookcase
• Use bins or baskets to get organized within your shelves
• The Way Basics’ Freedom Shelf are perfect for garage organization and the tallest shelf is the perfect height for winter boot storage
• Our shelves are built to last and protect the environment!

Custom shelving units are the perfect organizational solution for any space in your house. Just remember to measure up your space and let us know if we can assist with ordering or design ideas. And don’t worry about damaging the earth with your new shelving; Way Basics’ Freedom Shelves are made with the same zBoard that is used to make our cubes. zBoard is our awesome patented product that is made fro 99% recycled paper! No extra trees will be cut down for your custom shelving solution. Doesn’t that feel great? Custom shelving at a fraction of the cost and helping recycle at the same time!

This is just one way Way Basics is helping you with simple home organization. Best of all, we love helping you and your family!

Paper is one of the most plentiful manufactured items on the planet but we often overlook its’ magic and potential. Different types of paper can give hints about a culture, a time in history, or a specific place on the planet, but they all tie back to the resource that makes it: trees. Unfortunately, our civilization takes for granted this resource that is used every day. At some point in the future, we are going to have to seriously look at our paper consumption and consider how we can recycle, reduce, and reuse in order to save this precious resource. To give you some background about this amazing product, paper, here are some facts about paper-making!

1) Paper can be made through a mechanical or chemical process

2) Paper is bleached to give it the white color

3) Papermaking uses a huge amount of water in the process

4) North American’s consume more paper per capita than any other country (500lbs per year!)

5) 40% of the world’s logging is used to make paper (that is a heck of a lot of trees!)

6) The paper industry emits a lot of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere (over 100 million kilograms of toxins each year!)

7) Paper production is the third most energy-intensive of all types of manufacturing

At Way Basics, we are already thinking ahead of the game and upcycling paper to be used in many different ways. Our zBoard is made from 99% post-consumer recycled paper, which means no new trees are being cut down when you purchase our cubes or bookshelves made from recycled paper. We love to celebrate other individuals and companies that are thinking out of the box when it comes to paper. Only when we celebrate it for the precious resource that it is, will we begin to save our trees.

The artist, Li Hongbo has created paper sculptures, which are made of thousands of sheets of paper. These honeycomb like structures were inspired by his fascination with the Chinese art of paper gourds. These sculptures are part of a greater body of work called Tools of Study and are replicas of old marble busks such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s David. This new way of utilizing paper is truly mind blowing. Be sure to check out the video clip below:

Another awesome recycling story we want to share is about the company AkzoNobel. They have created the world’s first 100% recycled cup! Most cups (even the recycled ones) have a petroleum-based coating that is used to keep the liquid from permeating the cup. AkzoNobel have created a coating that is made from plant-based oils, which makes the cup 100% recycled and compostable! Learn more about this groundbreaking company and how they are planning on “doing more with less.” Learn more: https://www.akzonobel.com/

Just like Way Basics, Li Hongbo and AkzoNobel are doing great things in the paper recycling industry. It is important to think out of the box to help recycle! Even you can do things to recycle paper in your own home. At the moment, most American’s only recycle 15% of their paper. This is a real shame because America’s paper consumption is going up. To combat this, make sure to recycle in your home and office. If your workplace does not recycle, offer to start a recycling program and pave the way! Let us know about your paper recycling journey. Way Basics would love to help start this initiative and we would even offer some prizes as a way to get people recycling! After all, our first Way Basics’ product was a recyclable recycling bin! It all comes back to helping our community and spreading the word around paper recycling! What do you do to recycle in your home

We are so proud to have been awarded the "New Arrival Award" for our Box Storage System by the Cribsie Academy.

What is the Cribsie Academy you may ask? Great question!

They are the most influential experts, head honchos, and celebrities in the baby and family industry! We were so excited to be rated and chosen by such industry leaders as Jessica Alba (Honest Company), Ali Wing (founder of Giggle!), and Liz Gumbinner (Mom 101) amongst many others! The Cribsie Awards are held every year to help families find the best products out their for their homes. We are so excited to be included and we hope everyone is inspired to get organized and build opportunities with Way Basics!

Spring Cleaning can be a real downer. But it doesn't have to be! Get the whole family/apartment/roommates involved and make it into a little party. Throw on some tunes and make plans that evening so you have something to look forward to! General Spring Cleaning tips also help things go smoothly so follow these for the easiest clean of your life:

1. Change the feel by adding some new blankets, textiles or pillows. Maybe swap with a friend so you each get a "new" place for no cost!
2. Move from room to room so you feel like you are accomplishing something. Start small with mini goals and the time will fly by!
3. Take a picture before and after so you can truly see the difference! Also something to keep the room in check in the future!
4. Going all out and washing windows? Make sure you pick a cloudy day so they don't dry before you get to wipe them down.
5. Clean under furniture! That's right, move it around. This will also allow you to try out some new locations for that beloved chair.
6. Start from the top down. Dust the tops of cabinets and light fixtures and finish with the floor. That way you don't have to clean your floor twice!
7. Our favorite: Make sure to equip yourself with a "Donate" and "Trash" bag in every room. This will inspire you to de-clutter!
8. Feel like you don't have enough storage space? Check out our bookshelves and cubes for endless solutions!

Spring cleaning can seem daunting but remember, you only do it once a year and you will feel so GREAT after!

Ps. Still feeling stressed? Read our tips about how to bring Zen to your Spring Clean HERE!

So, be honest. How is that Spring Cleaning going?

Sometimes we dread tasks like cleaning and organizing because they are made out to be the bad guys. Let’s flip that theory on its head. I love to get organized mainly because it feels so darn good! Reducing clutter isn’t just good for your home, it’s good for your spirit! After all, that is what Feng Shui is all about: cleaning up clutter and helping you live a minimalistic life. Let’s explore five ways that help you lighten that load!

1. How about that dreaded closet? I live by the rule that all clothes that have not been worn in two years should be donated. Of course I make exceptions for wool coats or items that are not needed on a daily basis, but this rule helps remind you of what is in your closet and what no longer works. Helping others is a feel-good activity and with those un-worn clothes gone you will feel like you can breathe again!
2. You know medicine, sunscreen, and non-perishable food actually do have use by dates? Find those dates and use them!
3. Instate a 24 hour rule for big purchases that are usually impulse buys. Do you really need another black purse? This helps you examine your decision and prevent clutter in your home.
4. Remove toxic inducing, unfriendly furniture, and go eco instead! Did you know that formaldehyde is a toxin found in most furniture and can cause allergies and extensive health issues? Use formaldehyde-free furniture and bring plants into your home to help cleanse your air!
5. Live with items that you love! Don’t feel obligated to keep something just because it was a gift. Surround yourself with things that inspire you and reflect who you are as a person.

Just remember that your home is a big part of your life and the way that you care for it influences your happiness. So don’t dread Spring Cleaning, think of the positive ways you are helping yourself and your family towards a productive, inspiring year!

Want more tips? Read our practical tips towards Spring Cleaning HERE!

I don't know if you have noticed, but we have had some incredible new pictures of our bookshelves up on our site. This incredible work was done by a New York Photography student name Natalie. Because she is so talented and has such a bright future, we wanted to share more about her here. Remember, you saw her here first!

By Steven Athea

Living in Miami has given me a greater understanding of how to blur the lines of traditional gathering spaces.

South Florida has a unique way of bringing indoor activities outside. These days, it seems like I spend more time outside than I do in my own living room! I entertain friends, family and even clients in my patio area, so I know that keeping up with outdoor décor can be just as important as the look of my foyer.

Just because winter weather is upon much of the U.S., that doesn't mean that you need to bring your party indoors. Adding just a few new décor pieces and creative flare to your patio will transform it into an extended living space.

Here are seven tips for how to maximize your space, from layouts to accessorizing, giving your space an added design touch that will maximize your home's square footage:

1. Don't Be Afraid of Plastic

Usually the first thing that pops into people's minds when they think of a patio set is wicker furniture. Ditch the grandma décor and update with the times!

Outdoor décor has come so far in the last 20 years. Plastic furniture pieces have made a comeback and provide modern and sleek lines for a fraction of the cost. These pieces also are easy to maintain and clean even through harsh weather conditions, including snow and colder temperatures.

2. Consider the Alternatives

Many designers have also incorporated materials such as outdoor leather, rattan and Sunbrella fabric when creating their outdoor lines. I always recommend looking to see what types of materials were used to create your furniture, in order to be sure you can maintain the up-keep of the pieces.

3. Think like a Swiss Army Knife

When purchasing a new set, invest in multi-purpose pieces. For example:

• An outdoor bar area can double up as a buffet table when you have extra family and friends over.
• Small seat ottomans also come with built in storage, perfect for hiding your beach balls, paddleboards and floats.
• You can add pops of color by accessorizing your furniture with throw pillows that are interchangeable or hanging décor, such as festive lanterns or chic chandeliers.

4. Be Deliberate About Layout

When formulating the layout of your backyard space, remember that even the smallest of spaces needs a focal point. Create an inviting space by placing your furniture in a semi-circle for a good flow of conversation. Don't place your pieces so far from one another that your guests need to yell to speak to each other; rather, focus on finding unique settings for an easy flow.

Keep furniture around the perimeter of your outdoor space to maximize walkway room and always make sure there is adequate seating for guests. Mix and match by bringing in odd chairs and adding benches for additional seating. Another great accessory can be outdoor floor pillows. Place them around the coffee table for a laid back Mediterranean feel.

5. Plan For Your Purpose

One thing I love to do is have dinner parties under my gazebo. Great food and conversation can keep us outdoors all night long. When preparing for such an event it seems as though people tend to forget sizes when picking out furniture appropriate for their space.

Place dining tables diagonally to fit as many guests as needed. Keep in mind the size of your furniture: the bigger the furniture the less walking space there will be for guests.

Play with shapes and sizes of tables; they do not all need to be the same. Another great tip for outdoor gatherings is the use of stackable chairs. These can be put away in a pinch to create more space depending on the occasion.

6. Create a Central Space

A fire pit is a fun focal piece to add to your new outdoor living space. On extra chilly nights it is great to gather around and relax by the flames. Fire pits are easy to maintain and the glow provides a natural source of light. Whether it is a built-in pit within the ground or a movable one, the fire pit provides warmth to any area. It is even a great feature to entertain children, allowing them to roast marshmallows outside, letting their imaginations run free and feel like they are camping. The fire pit is a great investment that can be used throughout the year.

7. Take Advantage of Surroundings

You have natural elements all around you; you should use this to your advantage. Purchasing tree lights and hanging them throughout your gazebo and through your trees enhances the focal point and makes any space seem bigger. Tree lights aren't only for the holidays; you can change them out for colored lights during Christmas time or keep it simple with silver and white throughout the year.

There are many simple solutions to update your outdoor living space and make it one-of-a-kind. Work with what you currently have in your patio and add your unique sense of style. This holiday season, take advantage of the fresh air and entertain your guests outdoors by showing off all that your new and improved patio has to offer.

Steven Athea is the co-founder of Modani, a contemporary furniture store with locations across the U.S. Steven has a degree in Design and Architecture from The Architecture School of Antibes in France. He has designed and decorated several high-end night clubs and restaurants in Miami Beach. Steven's eye for design has helped launch Modani into a national success, attracting the attention of celebrities such as Sean Combs, the Kardashians and Lady Gaga.